Author Topic: V-Strom 1300 anyone? (Read 5303 times)

old git · « **on:** September 16, 2018, 20:33:28 »

I'm currently in the process of trying to go from 4 bikes down to 2. 3 out of the 4 must go and make room for the (new) 2nd bike if I can decide what it's to be (am I making any sense?). I thought my long term, utterly dependable FJR1300 would be the keeper out of the 4 bikes...…………………..until me and the wife went to test a KTM1290SA on the V-Strom and we both came to the same conclusion - we use the V-Strom much more than the FJR so why not keep it? So far my old GT500 has been the only one sold with the KTM690Duke currently on ebay. After the initial buzz of riding the KTM 1290 had subsided, I'm not sure it's the bike - too tall, seat like a plank, don't really want all the geek stuff - who the feck wants to talk on their phone while crossing the Gobi desert on a bike anyway? Apart from the geeky stuff everything else can likely be sorted for even more money so I haven't completely ruled it out. Got a test on a BMWr1200rt coming up and might give the GS a go too - looks like they're getting a cc boost to 1250 and VVT next year so maybe they'll more palatable and certainly more expensive! When me and the wife tested the V-Strom, within minutes we knew we had to have one but we were trying to be rid of the T120 Triumph that I stupidly bought, so were very easily swayed. Living with the V-Strom has been brilliant, much lighter than the FJR, brilliant handling and brakes and when solo on highland roads the power is enough. When 2up I do find the power sometimes just isn't enough, hence the reason I've still taken the FJR to Europe in the 2 summers that I've owned the Suzuki. Until I find the right bike I'll likely stick with the FJR and the V-Strom.

After reading just about every report and spec sheet for every modern adventure type and touring bike I've come to the conclusion that what I really, really want is a V-Strom 1300. Another 30ish BHP, more torque, better wind and weather protection and decent heated grips - not retrofitted Oxfords with wires everywhere. I don't want to cross deserts so don't need the pretence that it's anything other than a road bike. I'd gladly pay more for a big daddy V-Strom. Anyone else?

Fat Rat · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2018, 20:36:49 »

Before they uprated the power, they would need to add some suspension and brakes

old git · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2018, 20:51:16 »

Brakes and suspension on my 1000 are good but I agree better sussies and brakes for more power. If KTM and Ducati can do it...…..

porter · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2018, 15:11:37 »

As it's Suzuki we're talking about I can't see it myself. 300cc more would need a major engine redesign and Suzuki don't do that often, they're more rehash specialists!
I did see they had filed two new patents awhile back showing a v strom 1000 engine and bike. One for vvt (variable valve timing) and the other for self damping suspension. So perhaps these are more likely, maybe in 2020 when euro5 comes in.
Trouble is they'll push the price up a few grand I'd say and the reason I and most others I've talked to buy the Veek is because it's a cheap big bike.

infidel · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2018, 17:20:02 »

Au Contraire! there's more to be had from this design if Suzuki wanted to.

The TL/SV engines have quite a few Big Bore kits that could potentially be used if you wanted to 'do it yerself'..
https://www.spearsenterprises.com/sv1000-tl1000.html - talk to them.
Chap on the TL forum did the full upgrade. From 996cc them come in as 1080, 1140, & 1188cc. But think that is it capacity wise to be honest.

Personally - If I wanted more power from a Suzuki L-twin there's only one show in town. James at JHS racing. Talk to him if you are serious. I'm informed he's done a couple of superchargers which would be my preferred route vs stroking cranks.

I think he did think blokes SV1000 Supercharged. now runs a 9.3 1/4

Also another chap in AUS did a supercharged version. Sure the TL boys have done as well.

Have more info if needed as I'm thinking of taking the SV up to 11. Or 12.

infidel · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2018, 17:36:15 »

oh and I almost forgot...

Nitrous..

http://www.1tail.com/Performance_Parts/Suzuki_1000_V-Strom_Nitrous_Kits/

Spec'd kit for DL. Probably the cheapest way to get 25hp when you needed it. Your misses better hold on though!

old git · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2018, 19:07:33 »

Some interesting ideas for squeezing more power out but I'd like Suzuki to do a major redesign, not to replace the 1000, but give us a more powerful alternative. VVT sounds like the best we can hope for in the near future. Ducati and KTM have proved there's a market for powerful V-Twins in the adventure bike market, I would love to see a Japanese alternative.

infidel · « **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2018, 20:20:46 »

Interesting and very expensive to do it - you'd need thousands and higher single digits.
The engine does have that kind of potential is my main point, and the fact we see compact and VVT patents suggest Suzuki aren't done yet. I'd swap 300cc for a very modest supercharger giving the extra power and boost where it needs it.

Given Suzuki are clearly looking at forced induction for the recursion as both turbo and supercharged versions I'm hoping they'll take same approach with the DL make our dreams come true!

TLPower · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2018, 20:22:24 »

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-1190-Adventure-0-Miles-Pre-Reg

Bid them in the boll*cks.

The KTM ergo seats sort the plank seats out for not a lot of money. 150 horsepower is enough without the silly keyless ignition and fuel cap nonsense.

old git · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2018, 20:46:13 »

Quote removed

Link not working - I never really considered the 1190. Thanks - will give me something else to troll the internet for info

TLPower · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2018, 05:40:13 »

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-1190-Adventure-0-Miles-Pre-Reg/232649590435?hash=item362aff06a3:g:ZWcAAOSw9qJaccbq

Drysdales Motorcyles if the link doesn't work.

porter · « **Reply #11 on:** September 18, 2018, 10:41:14 »

Suzuki know their market, and lets face it its at the cheaper end. If they made a ducati multi, gs 12 revile at nearly the same price would folk buy it? I think not.
My three friends ride a gs12, multi 1260 and a tiger 12 and not one would consider a vstrom, not the right image at all.
I doubt they would supercharge it, not the right engine configuration for packaging the charger.
So I'd guess another update with vvt on the motor and the self damping suspension ( hopefully as a option, then I can forget about it) and keep the price right. Would work for me

infidel · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2018, 17:24:02 »

its in current form I agree porter- too much plumbing and drive gear in too small a space in the current frame.

But I wouldn't give up hope on forced induction yet - Emissions regs are only getting tighter from here on in - I don't think we'll ever see twins getting bigger again from here - forced induction the only real way to keep power up whilst reducing cc/emissions.

I'm actually thinking about the recursion (if below is true and its a supercharger) as a modern replacement for me gixer who's like me (50) is getting on a bit now.
Either than or a newer GSXR 750.

Will wait and see.

https://www.morebikes.co.uk/46407/final-production-drawings-for-suzukis-katana-recursion-are-filed-by-the-factory-supercharged-yes-turbocharged-no-confirmed/

old git · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2018, 19:20:24 »

Now that you mention it I did see the 1190 at Drysdales the other week. Will bear it in mind but have a test on a BMW rt at the weekend - I know, very old mans bike

mr_diver · « **Reply #14 on:** September 18, 2018, 21:39:00 »

to be honest a 1300cc V-Strom isn't necessary.
If you need that sort of grunt to tour - take the car.
Having ridden bigger bikes like Pans and FJR's (GSX14 in my garage)
A massive capacity adventure bike starts to become just an upright tourer that's compromised.
They are taller and thus even more top heavy.
The Varadero I have weighs enough, I took a VFR1200X our for post work check and the thing was great on the move but needed real input at slower speeds and slow corners needed forward planning.
Bikes like the KTM ADV's and Multistrada are built lighter with exotic materials which ramp up the cost but could also produce a more fragile bike inorder to keep the weight down.

Suzuki build bikes down to a price and the buying public see Suzuki as a value for the money brand... "yeah It'll be a good bike for what you pay for it but it isn't a premium product."
Dealers sell loads of V-Stroms both the 650cc and the 1000cc. In fact the 650 out sells the 1000 buy approx 2 to 1. Take what you want from that.

If Suzuki were to make a bigger capacity V-Strom it'll be competing with BMW, Ducati, KTM, and it's not going to cut the mustard with the other top brands.

Don't get me wrong, I'd have a Suzuki before BMW or the other premium names as most of the gimmicks you get with the bikes I don't want... Nor do I want to be nailed to the wall when it comes service/spare parts time.

If you want big tourer power and comfort... buy a Big tourer that's what they are built for.

porter · « **Reply #15 on:** September 19, 2018, 08:39:53 »

You've hit the nail on the head mr diver.
I've had a run on mates bikes, multi was too much for me, power I'd never use and lacked low down grunt. Triumph was a heavy pig, I could hardly get it off the side stand! Liked the GS12 though but it's only a dream for me at 15k.
Incidently the Veek felt lighter and smaller than the other three bikes.
So if Suzuki up the power a bit, 100 hp at the rear wheel is enough for me, keep the weight as is, fit a better seat (unlikely) and improve the suspension a bit I'd buy another but only if it stays around the 10k mark. If they pushed it to high I'd buy a GS and I think Suzuki know that.
I don't need or want riding modes, tft clocks, even traction control ( I keep it turned off as bike is smoother) or self damping suspension ( how will that handle high miles and how much to replace it) Maybe that's just me, maybe I'm just a cheapskate

mrp192 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 19, 2018, 10:53:10 »

I’m not in the market for an 1300 VStrom but an 800 with shaft drive, cast wheels, no extra electrical gizmos and NO beak would fit the bill at about £9k
I was patiently waiting for the new Moto Guzzi V85 but looking in today’s paper it’s been given all sorts of electrical wizardry and am £11k estimated price!

mr_diver · « **Reply #17 on:** September 19, 2018, 16:41:07 »

Honda need to bring back the Deauville in Adv bike guise. So basically the Transalp with shaft drive.
Maybe a few more ponies.

bigsimmo · « **Reply #18 on:** September 19, 2018, 21:35:24 »

wasn't the 1000 in the tl a 160hp motor? but is that at a high cost to low end power?
could they not just up the bhp to say, 125bhp? perhaps its what comes out of the endcan that stops them.

Gert · « **Reply #19 on:** September 20, 2018, 07:11:27 »

Suzuki may not have to do much under redesign of engine. The intruder motor is available in 1400, 1500 & 1800 cc. Maybe new cams and method of mounting in the V-Strom frame...